UPDATE: Mountain Dew Rips Off YouTuber and Indie Rappers

I messaged DevinSuperTramp, who said he'd actually been contacted by the ad agency before they shot the video. They were looking for the contact info of riders in his original.

We can put the issue to rest, but here is my final frustration and my final question:

Why didn't they take the opportunity to make a great story, hire the original artists, get a fantastic end product, and avoid the inevitable lashback from copying 100% an already very popular independently produced work?

That would have worked better for ALL involved.

Hello,
My name is John [last name omitted], and I'm writing to find out the locations, ages, and availabilities of riders in a YouTube video uploaded by you. We are checking on them for a Mountain Dew commercial. The availability dates are April 26 - April 28. April 26 is wardrobe, April 27 is rehearsal, and April 28 is the shoot.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks!
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Lisa Fields Casting

West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Hey Devin,
Thanks for getting back to me. We're looking for bikers who can do lake jumps between the ages of 18-25. If we could get the names and contacts of anyone that might be appropriate, that would be great.
This is a national spot, so any riders that are chosen would be flown first class and put up in first class hotels.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Thanks!